Terrible experience with the MBP16 2019

[Mainsail]

It's unfortunate about the OPs problems with a new 16in MBP. I suspect that it could be returned and the replacement will be fine.

If you search MR, there are a fair number of complaints about the 16in MBP. I am sure most of these will be resolved and the customers will ultimately be satisfied. However, this does prove a larger point. For months, I read from posters about how this was going to be the perfect Mac, and how people that bought earlier models were idiots. This was going to be the MacBook that solved the keyboard issues and would not have problems of its own. There is no such thing. Apple makes millions of these laptops. All designs have weaknesses and all production processes produce some failures. Expectations were set too high. And now, the echo chamber of discontent has turned its attention to this product.

 

[LoganT]

One of my favorite things about this forum and others involving Apple is the revisionist history that people have for Apple. Any minor issue that Apple has is always met with someone saying “Tim Cook is just a bean counter. This wouldn’t happen under Steve Jobs“ Uh, wanna bet? I’ve been using Macs since 2007 and Apple has always had some issues with their products and I’d venture to say they also had some issues before 2007. You wanna know what happened? People with their issues got it resolved and moved on.

 

[Donnation]

People here would defend Apple even if they'd sell an actual piece of human waste for $1,000.
Negative experiences are not welcome here, because they deter people from buying overpriced Apple products. Higher prices, declining quality. That's how master penny pincher Timmy makes his dough, and he doesn't even need an apology for that, but people here provide them anyway.

Negative experiences are welcome, and they happen. I've had negative experiences with Apple in the past but didn't claim it was a universal experience for everyone and that they sell overpriced trash with no quality.

Apple isn't perfect and no one is claiming they are. But to come in here and say "I expect all items Apple produces to come off the factory line flawlessly" is ridiculous. Apple is beyond gracious with their return policy and allows for an unlimited number of returns. If the OP got a bad device, he can return it and get another one, or stick with his previous device. The issues he's having aren't universal issues to the 16" MBP though.
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One of my favorite things about this forum and others involving Apple is the revisionist history that people have for Apple. Any minor issue that Apple has is always met with someone saying “Tim Cook is just a bean counter. This wouldn’t happen under Steve Jobs“ Uh, wanna bet? I’ve been using Macs since 2007 and Apple has always had some issues with their products and I’d venture to say they also had some issues before 2007. You wanna know what happened? People with their issues got it resolved and moved on.

The very first iMac G5 I bought back in 2005 had a failed HD out of the box. It would click and click and then the entire thing would freeze. I returned it and got another one and it worked perfectly for years. Apple, like all manufacturers, had duds come off the line and its always been that way.

 

[Zen_Arcade]

Apple isn't perfect and no one is claiming they are. But to come in here and say "I expect all items Apple produces to come off the factory line flawlessly" is ridiculous.

. . .

Apple, like all manufacturers, had duds come off the line and its always been that way.

Exactly correct, and I think very well said.

 

[49erRedGold]

If some people have low expectations for an overpriced piece of hardware from a trillion dollar company that's their problem. I expect "Apple quality", but it seems nowadays it's just a myth.

Hmm, go figure. Calling a product overpriced that you actually bought. SMH. If I felt something was overpriced I would be smart and spend my money where it belongs.

 

[mightyjabba]

From the title of this thread, I honestly expected way worse. The only issue that might be a legitimate fault is the buzzing power brick. The ghosting thing has been discussed to death, but basically if you think the screen's refresh rate is too low, then take it back. This is what it's like. Personally I find it fine and never would have even noticed it as an issue if I hadn't been visiting this forum. The sound popping is clearly a software issue that will eventually be ironed out, but I have never once heard it without going out of my way to try and replicate it. And reported battery capacity will vary quite a bit when you first get a computer. Mine was under the "design capacity" when I first got mine and now it's reporting 8956, which is actually over design capacity. I'm not sure how accurate that actually is and I don't stress about it. It's all approximate.

 

[JChristian]

1. Brick was faulty and I'm waiting for a new one from the support. The authorized Apple support said at first that they didn't hear a thing so I had to reply with a not so pleasant email to make them acknowledge the issue and exchange the charger. HATE to deal with authorized support (EU based, but there is not physical Apple Store where I live).

2. Popping issue still there, but I do not trust the computer with any authorized Apple support, so I'm inclined to return the MBP16 altogether with the new brick. Is there any problem if I return the computer with another brick (original Apple from authorized support, of course), as the one it came with was faulty and I exchanged?

3. I downloaded Final Cut Pro for testing and the popping is terrible, sometimes louder, other times quieter, but very present. So, for anyone complaining that the CMD+Q test "isn't a common use case scenario", well seeking a video in Final Cut Pro is basic and normal user activity in my books. It does not occur 100% of times I seek, but it's something like 80%, anyway this percentage must be 0% after all.

https://imgur.com/XQKKqzN

If I leave any audio producing software in background on mute (e.g. Youtube video) and repeat the test in Final Cut Pro, the popping is totally gone, but as soon as I close Youtube and continue using Final Cut Pro the popping starts again.

4. The computer arrived on 11 Dec and I have until 8 Jan to send it back, more than the normal 14-day return window, due to holidays. I hope they cover the international delivery (I believe all returns in EU are to be sent to Ireland if I'm not wrong) as I don't want to waste money for something that isn't my problem. The time I'm wasting is more than enough...

 

[kofman13]

My experience so far with the new MBP16 is terrible, a bunch of minor, but very annoying, issues:

1. 96W charger makes some static/buzzing noise while charging the notebook (idk if it's just mine or it's "by design", anyway it's ridiculous for an expensive notebook)
2. Ghosting (reports from many users proving it)
3. Sound popping from the right speaker (reports from many users proving it)
4. Battery, mine says full charge capacity is 8610mAh, while design capacity is 8790mAh (way below what I'm seeing from other's reports). Source: coconutBattery

Anyone else feeling disappointed with the new MBP16?

Macbook Pro 16"
macOS 10.15.2
Space Gray
i9 2.4Ghz
AMD 5500M 8GB
32GB RAM
512GB SSD
US keyboard

....so exchange it?

 

[gadgetfreaky]

My experience so far with the new MBP16 is terrible, a bunch of minor, but very annoying, issues:

1. 96W charger makes some static/buzzing noise while charging the notebook (idk if it's just mine or it's "by design", anyway it's ridiculous for an expensive notebook)
2. Ghosting (reports from many users proving it)
3. Sound popping from the right speaker (reports from many users proving it)
4. Battery, mine says full charge capacity is 8610mAh, while design capacity is 8790mAh (way below what I'm seeing from other's reports). Source: coconutBattery

Anyone else feeling disappointed with the new MBP16?

Macbook Pro 16"
macOS 10.15.2
Space Gray
i9 2.4Ghz
AMD 5500M 8GB
32GB RAM
512GB SSD
US keyboard

Honestly it's the best MBP Apple has made in almost 8 years. Very minor flaws. Nothing like it buyable anywhere else.

 

[CloudsNeverDie]

Honestly it's the best MBP Apple has made in almost 8 years. Very minor flaws. Nothing like it buyable anywhere else.

I disagree. The 2013 era MBPs were superior, relative to their peers at the time. I'm still using (and mostly happy with) my late-2013 15". It was the MBPs starting with the introduction of the Butterfly keyboard where things seemed to go downhill, in my opinion. The 16" is definitely superior to any of the MBPs made with Butterfly keyboards, I'll agree with that much.

 

[dead flag blues]

Pick up a nice ASUS box and call it a day.

 

[Dominus Mortem]

Return it. The popping could be an issue beyond just software (for your machine). I doubt Apple will care about the charging brick as long as it's not some third party item not made by them.

 

[AustinIllini]

Pick up a nice ASUS box and call it a day.

Run Windows. Be Miserable. Back to Mac.

 

[Passingby]

Run Windows. Be Miserable. Back to Mac.

As if this sub forum isn't fully of misery. At least he/she won't have incompatible apps, forced obsolence, popping sounds, crashing controllers and slow graphics drivers though.

 

[impulse462]

As if this sub forum isn't fully of misery. At least he/she won't have incompatible apps, forced obsolence, popping sounds, crashing controllers and slow graphics drivers though.

They’ve mentioned their intent to completely switch to 64-bit apps for the past few years...this is not a real thing. Leaving your app unchanged until it’s broken after getting ample warnings is just laziness

 

[AustinIllini]

As if this sub forum isn't fully of misery. At least he/she won't have incompatible apps, forced obsolence, popping sounds, crashing controllers and slow graphics drivers though.

As opposed to viruses, inconsistent menus, random destructive updates, blue screens of death, adds on the start menu, and overall OS instability.

I would say Windows users are too tolerant, but they're actually defending Microsoft's shortcomings.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

As opposed to viruses, inconsistent menus, random destructive updates, blue screens of death, adds on the start menu, and overall OS instability.

I would say Windows users are too tolerant, but they're actually defending Microsoft's shortcomings.

Don't forget the issue about drivers. Who do you get drivers from? Microsoft or the manufacturer? I am currently using a HP ZBook and the caps lock light is on but the Caps lock is off and when I press the Caps lock button to turn the light off nothing happens. It's REALLY annoying. Granted, this was just a temporary laptop until my 16" MBP comes in and I can pick up a refreshed 13" with the new keyboard.

 

[vemac575]

Wow, seriously...

1. Call them and get a replacement or buy a third party. Simple as that.
2. Legitimate issue.
3. This is a software issue and will be remedied in an update.
4. Again, if this isn't normal, call and get the Macbook replaced.

Overall, I expected some serious issues. A little overdramatic here...

 

[Passingby]

As opposed to viruses, inconsistent menus, random destructive updates, blue screens of death, adds on the start menu, and overall OS instability.

I would say Windows users are too tolerant, but they're actually defending Microsoft's shortcomings.

1984 right there. Everything outside your echo chamber is worse than everything inside the heavy controlled eco system. But there's 5 billion users outside your echo chamber and there's only 500 million inside and they have a massive array of freedom and choices. If you want a super secure stable and clean Windows, you can with a few clicks and as long as you aren't visiting malware ridden torrent and porn sites.

'Inconsistent menus'. Big deal. Most apps use their own interface elements. Look at your computer right now. Adobe, Spotify, Blackmagic etc all have their own interfaces and contextual menus.

'Blue screens of death'. As opposed to kernel panics and bad magic crashes.

Ads on the start menu. Disable it.

'OS instability.' Nobody in the Windows world is having these T2 crashes and popping sounds.

Thise type of heavy brainwashing in the hardcore extremist clique of Mac users has been around since the early years. The longest Mac users abandon this brainwashing. It's mostly the noobish newer ones who replace the veterans who continue these myths and lies.
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They’ve mentioned their intent to completely switch to 64-bit apps for the past few years...this is not a real thing. Leaving your app unchanged until it’s broken after getting ample warnings is just laziness

You say one thing, and hundreds of Mac users on the macOS subs say they aren't happy with being forced to upgrade working software.

Some legacy apps used by corporations are vital to their businesses and run fine as 32 bit apps with no need to update. Windows and Linux gives them the choice to keep using them without being pressured by a 'walled garden system' to upgrade.

 

[AustinIllini]

1984 right there. Everything outside your echo chamber is worse than everything inside the heavy controlled eco system. But there's 5 billion users outside your echo chamber and there's only 500 million inside and they have a massive array of freedom and choices. If you want a super secure stable and clean Windows, you can with a few clicks and as long as you aren't visiting malware ridden torrent and porn sites.

'Inconsistent menus'. Big deal. Most apps use their own interface elements. Look at your computer right now. Adobe, Spotify, Blackmagic etc all have their own interfaces and contextual menus.

'Blue screens of death'. As opposed to kernel panics and bad magic crashes.

Ads on the start menu. Disable it.

'OS instability.' Nobody in the Windows world is having these T2 crashes and popping sounds.

Thise type of heavy brainwashing in the hardcore extremist clique of Mac users has been around since the early years. The longest Mac users abandon this brainwashing. It's mostly the noobish newer ones who replace the veterans who continue these myths and lies.
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You say one thing, and hundreds of Mac users on the macOS subs say they aren't happy with being forced to upgrade working software.

Some legacy apps used by corporations are vital to their businesses and run fine as 32 bit apps with no need to update. Windows and Linux gives them the choice to keep using them without being pressured by a 'walled garden system' to upgrade.

Defends inadequacies. Makes no real arguments in favor. Typical Windows argument.

And get over the app thing already. Every piece of software goes out of date. You put your faith in the wrong developers for your workflow. Move on.

Now back to our regularly scheduled thread

 

[mightyjabba]

Windows is better than it ever has been (I have a gaming laptop as well as a tiny GPD Pocket running Windows 10), but it is still a far cry from what macOS offers. Not everyone cares about the difference, admittedly, but if you do you will not be happy switching entirely to Windows. And let me just say that the idea of switching platforms because of the minor issues presented in this thread is laughable.

 

[fehhkk]

Aside from the Catalina bugs, I have no problems with mine, haven’t experienced anything like the buzzing, speaker pop, or ghosting charging bugs.

 

[inhalexhale1]

Wow, seriously...

1. Call them and get a replacement or buy a third party. Simple as that.
2. Legitimate issue.
3. This is a software issue and will be remedied in an update.
4. Again, if this isn't normal, call and get the Macbook replaced.

Overall, I expected some serious issues. A little overdramatic here...

A lot over dramatic. He’s within the return window. Just exchange it or try again the next time they update it.

 

[LuciusWrong]

My experience so far with the new MBP16 is terrible, a bunch of minor, but very annoying, issues:

1. 96W charger makes some static/buzzing noise while charging the notebook (idk if it's just mine or it's "by design", anyway it's ridiculous for an expensive notebook)
2. Ghosting (reports from many users proving it)
3. Sound popping from the right speaker (reports from many users proving it)
4. Battery, mine says full charge capacity is 8610mAh, while design capacity is 8790mAh (way below what I'm seeing from other's reports). Source: coconutBatter

I feel like you don't have a realistic expectation of modern technology. You want magic, but this machine isn't magic. It's a really good machine, but again, not magic.


1) You are hearing the magic pixies. All electronics have some hum. More when it is dumping full power into your machine. I can hear mine if I put it next to my ear...but the charger is not meant to be placed over your ear.

2) Does your macbook have an IPS display? If yes, then it will have ghosting.

3) fixed, just update OS

4) Batteries: Due to the fact that perfection is presently an impossible standard, engineers specify tolerances when specifying components. The 99.8 watt is a nominal rating, not actual capacity. Apple does not publish their tolerances, but rest assured that your battery was within tolerances when it was installed in your machine. The battery in my machine appears to have been cycled a couple times before I received the machine, which would be consistent with Apple testing the batteries before assembling.

Also, battery capacity will vary between every cycle depending on things like temperature and charge rate. Actual capacity will be measurably lower after 10 cycles. And it gradually decreases over time. This is normal. This is how batteries work.

Please don't return your laptop because batteries lose capacity over time.
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Wow, seriously...

1. Call them and get a replacement or buy a third party. Simple as that.
2. Legitimate issue.
3. This is a software issue and will be remedied in an update.
4. Again, if this isn't normal, call and get the Macbook replaced.

Overall, I expected some serious issues. A little overdramatic here...

If Apple launched a macbook with a 1080p "TN" display, there would literally be rioting in the streets! But hey, it would fix the ghosting.

Please do a little research on display types and their characteristics. Apple uses IPS displays for color accuracy and viewing angle, but at the expense of super refresh rates.

That being said, there is quite a bit less ghosting on the 16" than there was on my late 2013 15".

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

My brand new 16 inch Macbook Pro has none of these issues.

Minimal if any ghosting, no coil whine, no popping, and the battery life is a beast.

2.4ghz i9, 32GB, 4TB SSD, 8GB Graphics